ATF 2012 kicks off with pre-TRAVEX networking activities

Over 1,400 registered TRAVEX delegates from across ASEAN and the rest of the world are expected to congregate at the Golden Kawanua Exhibition Hall this week.

ASEAN exhibitors will form some 920 of these delegates, while international buyers from 51 countries and media from 36 countries comprise 390 and 103 of total attendance respectively.

Pre-TRAVEX networking activities commence today with the first of the full-day complimentary pre-show city tours around Manado, organised by the host committee, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia. These tours giveTRAVEX delegates the opportunity to experiencethe city through its architecture, culture and famous sights, ably brought to life by local guides.

Such pre-show city tours and post-show tours to other destinations within the country are excellent platforms for the host country to showcase up and coming destinations to the industry, allowing them to experience a full-scale of its tourism infrastructure, hospitality and other tourist highlights. This aspect is how ATF uniquely promotes all its 10 member countries, through the rotation of host countries every year.

Pre-show city tours continue tomorrow, 12th January 2012, along with other social and networking activities including the ATF Friendly Golf Game (0800 to 1400hrs) and ATF 2012 Opening Ceremony and ASEANTA Award Presentation (1900 to 2200hrs)hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia.

ADVERTISEMENT

During thestellar opening ceremony, delegates can look forward to an extravaganza of cultural performances, mouthwatering cuisine and Manado hospitality. Said Ms. Anastasia Chris Miastuti, Deputy Director International Promotion for ASEAN – Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia, “Indonesia has much to offer through its culture, music, dance and costumes. Arts like puppetry and mask dances are some of the unique ways that Indonesia tells its stories. We are thrilled to be giving ATF delegates a glimpse into this beautiful country.”

In addition to the networking activities, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Press Conference and Signing of MOU on ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation will take place tomorrow at the Novotel Manado Convention Centre from 1500 to 1600hrs.

Official TRAVEX days will follow from 13 to 15 January 2012. Highlights during these business days include: on-site business appointment scheduling sessions between sellers and buyers, exhibition and TRAVEX appointment sessions, media briefings by all ten ASEAN NTOs, the ASEAN Tourism Conference on “ASEAN Goes Green” featuring industry leaders. There are also six other hosted luncheons, dinners and late night functions brought to you by sponsors such as, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia, Philippine Department of Tourism, Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization and Tourism Authority of Thailand: Pattaya Office, Sutanraja Hotel Convention & Recreation, Malaysia Tourism and Tourism and Cultural Office of Manado City Government.